Hi all,

I'm fairly new to modeling and I'm looking for a low budget modelling program, I'd love to get Rhino or Truespace or something but I just can't afford to.

I have been through previous threads and the links at the top of the page, cause I know this isn't a new topic and I'm sorry to bring it up again but I'm so confused and so would like to get your views.

Obviously I would want basic modeling tools, nothing too fancy, I'm just learning! One of the most important things for me would be to be able to share the models I make, most likely for free, but I'd love to have the option to include them in a commercial project if appropriate.

I think I have perhaps overloaded my brain with all the information I have tried to gather, so am wondering if any of you could make any recommendations to help me

Thanks
Alex

I'd say, just beginning, try the free modelers, starting with wings, maybe metasequoia, 3D Canvas and the programs like that. That may give you what you want without spending anything.

can I share models that I create with those programs?

I know wings exports to 3DS, I don't know about the others, but since 3DS is kind of a standard format, my guess would be yes.

I really mean't from a license point of view, I have been using a version of Amapi that I got from a magazine, but I am concerned about the legallities of using it to produce free stuff or comercial stuff.

The mist clears I think this is really what I'm asking about. I'm quite happy with Amapi, but would like to get feedback, on models that I could one day make available. Seems like a tease to say, here is what I'm working on but I can't let you have it, ever!!

Any views?

and thanks bonestructure

Alex

Attached Link: http://pub33.ezboard.com/fnendowingsmiraifrm17

Doesn't the version of Amapi have all the 'normal' legal and licence type info with it? I've noticed, btw that on a recent mag cover cd here in the uk, Amapi 5.xx was included. As regards Wings, it exports .obj / .3ds / .wrl (main ones of use from your point of view, probably) and imports .3ds / .obj /.ai (Adobe Illustrator - make a vector shape in AI and Wings extrudes this upon import) If you're happy with Amapi, just stick with it - although (having used it a bit myself), you'll find modelling certain types of objects much easier in Wings. Worth trying it - won't cost anything :) Attached link is for the gallery on the forum - see if any of the stuff being made is of interest. Some of the previous 'challenges' allow you to see models in a more convenient (condensed) manner. pp

Thank you for the link and info puzzledpaul, if what you say about Amapi is true (how can I find out for sure?) then I will probably stick with that for the time being. Though I've heard nothing but good things about Wings, so I might give that a go to, tried to download it today but couldn't (will try again tomorrow. I'm not sure I'm 'happy' with Amapi, I haven't tried any other programs, and I'm finding Amapi pretty hard to get to grips with.

Which mag had the Amapi 5.xx? (I'm in the uk too), I think I've currently got 4.1

Alex

Amapi is a damned hard program. You either get its weird interface or you don't. I don't. It's a complete mystery to me.

Alex - re the mag - sorry, I don't remember (I didn't buy it, having tried the 5.xx demo when 4.xx was being given away - and wasn't bothered about getting it) From memory it was on one of the PC specific (thick ones!) rather than Digit / 3D World cross platform ones - maybe check on some of the mag websites? However, once it's 'out' as a freebie am sure it'll be on one of the other mags, given time :) Maybe just nip down to your local WHS for a quick shufties. Am in town tomorrow so if I see anything, I'll post here. I wouldn't know where to start with Amapi to make some of the stuff I've made with Wings - although it's an unfair comparison, as have spent much more time with Wings - but I also can't see the point in wearing 'hair shirts' :) What type of stuff do you intend / like making? pp

As regards 'finding out for sure' - why not mail Eovia (sp?)- publishers / distributors of Amapi and ask them - get the info straight from the horse's mouth? (If you've made some 'typical' models (with Amapi) - why not post up a render / wireframe or 2 - anyone familiar with Wings should then be able to give you an idea of whether Wings would be a reasonable choice?) pp

Well, thanks to your directions to Wings gallery and a couple of e-mails (very promptly and courteously answered I might add) I think I will be giving Wings a go, I loved what I saw in the gallery, that's just the sort of direction I think I want to go in, and if I find it easier to use than Amapi I'll be very happy indeed.

Thank you all for your help

Alex

Also a free NURBS modeler is NURBANA. I don't have the link right now but I'm sure that a quick search in google will find it :)